Klarinet Archive - Posting 000498.txt from 2004/10

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] It seems I can't get away from clarinets
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 01:02:23 -0400


Krista,

It is a poor, I don't mean monetarily, clarinet player who blames his or
her instrument. Assuming, of course, the instrument is in proper repair
condition. It is a stupid clarinet player who practices on an instrument
which isn't in reasonable repair condition.

What follows are totally unscientific numbers, but I doubt anyone will
disagree with the sentiment. Playing the clarinet is about 80% you, 15% the
mouthpiece/reed combination, and 5% the quality of the instrument
(assuming, again, the instrument is in reasonable repair condition). Ask me
for percentages tomorrow and I will probably give you different numbers,
but the "you" part will always have, by far, the most significance.

A good teacher (who can help with the "you" part) is infinitely more
valuable than a high quality instrument. Give me a plastic clarinet, my
mouthpiece, and my reeds any day over a poorly made mouthpiece, bad reed,
and the most expensive clarinet Buffet makes.

Incidentally, Buffet seems to have caught on to what the flute world has
known for at least 20 years (and the string world has known for at least
100 years). Namely the fact that people are willing to pay absurd prices
for instruments which just aren't absurdly better. I must admit I have not
tried the new Tosca clarinets, so maybe I'm wrong. I am quite confident
someone will correct me if this is the case (and, I dare to hope, let me
try their Tosca clarinet(s)in the process).

Most importantly: R13, schmar13. And yes, you may quote me on that, but
please don't be disappointed when no one recognizes my name.

-Adam

Adam,

Clarinets are inexpensive compared to other wind instruments. Even Buffets.

Forest Aten

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